Is it bad starting your engine with ipod charger plugged in? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Sean89 · 01-27-2009, 08:25 PM

I have been told by my dad that it is bad to start the car when your ipod is plugged into the 12 v cigarette charger. Is this true?

Also if I leave the ipod plugged into the cigarette charger while the car is off will it drain my battery?

Thanks a lot.

Chris Crash · 01-27-2009, 08:31 PM

I'm pretty sure the cigarette lighter only gets power when the car is on.

Therefore, it will not drain the battery unless you have the car in the on or accessory position, but the engine off.

Sean89 · 01-27-2009, 08:35 PM

Hey thanks for the reply. Also if you know something about batteries how long do they usually last for? My dad also stuck me the tab of buying a new battery on his car (Im using it till I buy an 09 Camry in a couple of weeks) because I supposedly drained it by using my car charger. The battery is 3 years old. I dont know anything about how long car batteries last for so I ended up paying for it.

groovemasterodi · 01-27-2009, 08:45 PM

Unless something is wrong the cigarette lighter will not continue charging if its plugged into ipod/phone charger.. I use both daily, sometimes plugged in or not and no problems. Tell him that's fine just he can buy you a Kinetic battery for your trunk and system in your new Cam

Chris Crash · 01-27-2009, 08:49 PM

3 years is a little low for a battery. I'm not sure exactly how long they normally last, but 3 years sounds low for normal usage.

But you're essentially renting his car, so buying a new battery isn't that bad.

Sean89 · 01-27-2009, 08:51 PM

I mean I dont think the cigarette lighter has a problem since it chargers no problem. Thanks for the answers, I can go to work tomorrow knowing that I am not killing my car by being too lazy to unplug my charger when I start the car. Its really a hastle haha. Thanks again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

But you're essentially renting his car, so buying a new battery isn't that bad.

True, cant wait for my new one though! :P

groovemasterodi · 01-27-2009, 08:54 PM

I was considering it very strongly, really dig the new SE.. but the economy being the way it is, I'm working on a path to zero debt, and a new cam with options isn't the way to achieve that goal.

Sean89 · 01-27-2009, 08:57 PM

Look at my thread here:

Buying a new camry

I really LOVE the SE but cant afford it haha.

Fruitbat · 01-28-2009, 08:17 AM

He's not totally off base - a LOT of domestics (all Chevy's?) don't cut the power to the cig. lighter when the car is powered off.

Sidenote : the solar "trickle chargers" that they sell at stores that plug into your cig. lighter and keep the battery charged. They only work on cars where the lighter is always on.